Kozhikode: The UAE-based KEF Holdings, led by Keralite entrepreneur Faizal E Kottikollon, will set up a Rs 800-crore wellness resort in Kerala.
A holistic healthcare centre, the resort will offer an unparalleled experience that integrates modern medicine, Ayurveda, Tibetan medical practices and spiritual wellbeing.
The laying of the foundation stone of the second phase will be carried out jointly by Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas and UAE Ambassador to India Dr Ahmed Abdul Rahman AlBanna at 6pm on March 27.
The KEF Holdings is mainly targeting tourists from Europe and the Gulf countries through this medical tourism initiative. The proximity to the Kozhikode international airport will also be an added advantage to the venture, which is situated at Chelembra in Malappuram district. The centre will be opened to the public on March 12, 2023, and the project is expected to be fully operational by 2024.
A centre of happiness
Faizal says that more than just healthcare, the aim is to lead people to happiness. A speedy treatment will be provided in a tranquil atmosphere. The centre will have facilities for Yoga, meditation and healing.
The resort's design is based on the four factors of air, water, food and sun. The integrated clinical wellness resort is said to be the first of its kind venture. In addition to experts from various medical practices, the centre will also have the support of the Vedanta Academy in Pune.
There will be a separate wellness centre and healthcare centre. A total of 130 rooms will come up on the 30-acre resort. The operations will be in coordination with the Meitra Hospital which is another venture of the KEF Holdings in Kozhikode. Clinical wellness for severe illnesses, that require surgery, and even sports rehabilitation will be offered. A 44,000-sq ft swimming pool has already been set up.
The largest multi-cuisine restaurant in Kerala that will have flavours from different countries is also being set up. At present, the construction work in the preliminary phase has been completed.
Innovative, self-sufficiency
Known for making several innovative changes in the construction sector, the KEF Holdings will be bringing in modern technologies to the resort as well. There will be no air-conditioning.
Instead, the temperature inside the buildings will be optimised through radiant cooling. This is achieved by passing cooling pipes and ventilation pipes through the EPS panels built into the walls and floors.
The resort, which will be powered entirely by solar energy, also aims to attain self-sufficiency in water through rainwater harvesting.
Faizal is the son of prominent Kozhikode industrialist P K Ahamed. Faizal launched his ventures in the UAE in 1995. Faizal said that he had visited Auroville in Puducherry while pursuing his engineering studies and the experiences he gained from there led him to setting up the wellness resort.
The operations of the KEF Holdings are rooted in the principles of The Faizal and Shabana Foundation, which he had founded along with his wife Shabana.
The Foundation had carried out the upgradation of 15 schools, including the Government Girls High School at Nadakkavu in Kozhikode, in a major boost to the general education sector in Kerala.
